“Business continuation planning doesn’t happen by accident. It takes careful planning and input from every member of the family – even those who aren’t going to stay on the farm,” says Jim McCarthy, Vice President of Advanced Markets at Farm Bureau Financial Services.

“A solid business continuation plan requires the farm’s current and future generations to discuss everything from the business plan to their retirement plans and their estate plans. And it takes a team of professionals, too – an insurance agent, an attorney, and an accountant to name a few.”

Sometimes, starting the conversation is the hardest part. Understanding generational, situational and personal differences among everyone in the family is critical. As you prepare to bring up the idea, consider your timing. Avoid family gatherings like birthdays or holidays where your conversation could take people by surprise. Instead, think about setting up a family “shareholder’s meeting” where everyone can come to the table prepared to talk about business continuation.

As the family comes together to begin the business continuation discussion, a trusted local Farm Bureau agent can be an excellent resource for leading the conversation. As a neutral third party, an agent can take a sensitive approach to asking questions about retirement, estate preservation, and ultimately the sale of the business, without personal bias.

“It’s easy to be frustrated when an initial conversation doesn’t resolve anything. But it’s that first conversation that opens the door for more. In many cases, a complete business continuation plan can take six months to a year to finish,” says McCarthy.

It’s often said that more than two-thirds of family businesses don’t survive the jump from the first generation to the second, and only ten percent make it to the third generation. Make a plan to begin the conversation today. Your local Farm Bureau agent can help.

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